中国孩子正在经历肌肉力量危机

Core Viewpoint - The muscle health of Chinese children has been declining over the past two decades, with a significant acceleration in the last ten years, despite improvements in nutrition and physical activity options available to them [2][10]. Group 1: Decline in Muscle Health - The muscle health of Chinese children, as measured by standing long jump performance, has shown a continuous decline over the past 20 years, particularly worsening in the last decade [2][6]. - The most affected age group is 18-22 years, which is typically a peak period for muscle strength development. For instance, the median standing long jump distance for 22-year-old boys decreased from 234.3 cm to 219.4 cm from 2010 to 2019, while for girls it dropped from 172.8 cm to 162.5 cm [8][10]. Group 2: Consequences of Weak Muscle Health - Children with weak muscles are likely to grow into adults with poor muscle strength, leading to a higher risk of chronic diseases and reduced independence in old age [3][10]. - The decline in muscle health, combined with weight gain, poses a risk for the health and development of Chinese children and adolescents, potentially leading to a chronic disease crisis in the future [10]. Group 3: Importance of Resistance Training - Insufficient resistance training is a key factor contributing to the decline in muscle health among Chinese students. Less than 40% of students meet the World Health Organization's recommendations for muscle-strengthening activities [15][21]. - Engaging in resistance training can significantly improve muscle health, with evidence suggesting that it can reduce injury rates, prevent obesity, and enhance overall physical fitness [21][24]. Group 4: Recommendations for Resistance Training - The recommended approach for children aged 6-17 is to engage in resistance activities at least three days a week, with each session lasting 30 minutes [34][36]. - Activities should include a variety of movements targeting different muscle groups, such as lower body exercises (e.g., squats), upper body pushing (e.g., push-ups), upper body pulling (e.g., pull-ups), and core stability exercises [36][34]. Group 5: Safety and Effectiveness of Resistance Training - Recent research supports the safety and effectiveness of resistance training for children and adolescents, dispelling previous concerns about potential harm to growth plates [38][43]. - It is crucial to prioritize children's interest in sports and ensure they perform exercises correctly without excessive competition or weight [39][40].